Thanks dandy.
I am trying to put together some new maps for my game and have a few questions and requests for advice from you guys, first here is some of the tiles laid out in my map editor:
(there are a few tiles missing, like the 3 corner lava tile)
First my concerns:
1. The column tile does not look right against the floor. The tiles are each 64x64 and the characters are about the same size too in that looks weird while standing next to it. I think it looks out of place almost like a pickup item. i think i might try and make the top of the column a different angle so it looks more flat, making the far side much wider. Also i may try to make it 4x bigger to cover 4 tiles, maybe it will look more of a pillar then. Any suggestions? it seems hard to do on a top down view game.
2. I find it hard to think of objects to make the environment more exciting and believable. I am a programmer (contracting art out) so it is important that I come up with detailed lists of assets that I need, but I find it difficult to be creative with stuff like random items you would find in a dungeon, for example. Also it is important that it be the least amount of tiles possible to reduce cost. I realize random items will be extra tiles, but am looking for creative ideas maybe to mix and match things around the room to cut down on the tile count. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
3. There are a few torches on the map which are hard to see, i have asked the artist to try and put a white outline on them so they are more visible, but i think it may look out of place being the only object with a white outline. Are there any other ways to contrast it from the floor better?
ideas:
4. I was thinking of adding a layer on top of all the game objects for ceiling objects, like dungeon style chandeliers, etc.. I think it will look odd if it moves around at the same rate as the floor does on screen scrolling, so I would have to add a scale to the movement so it looks like it is closer to the viewer. Do you think it would add to the environment? or do you think it would just be annoying to the player to have something in the way? I could also add transparency while the player is below the objects if that would help. good idea or nax?
Also, you might be able to tell on my excellent map layout design from above, but my map layout skills are terrible. If anyone is interested or talented in map layout/design i would be willing to throw some money into cool designs for levels, but that may be better placed in help wanted.
Any suggestions/criticism is appreciated, trying to work on my level design as i think it was a weak point in my original release of Undead Empire. The new changes dealing with environment will be environmental damage (lava) and map animations (like the torch).
Thanks guys,
